NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. — In recognition of Glaucoma Awareness Month, Highland Ophthalmology Associates, in New Windsor, NY, will be offering free Glaucoma Screenings on Saturday, January 16, 2010. Highland Ophthalmology Associates encourages anyone at risk to please participate in their Glaucoma Awareness Program. “Glaucoma is like high blood pressure and diabetes – you have to check your eye pressure regularly,” said Mary Davidian, M.D. fellowship trained ophthalmologist at Highland Ophthalmology.

It is estimated that over 3 million Americans have glaucoma and half are at risk for going blind because they remain undiagnosed. “Glaucoma is a complex disease, because there are no symptoms in the early stages. By the time vision loss is noted by the patient, the disease process is quite advanced. If detected early enough, vision loss from glaucoma can be treated and prevented,” said Dr. Tim Huynh an Eye M.D. and a fellowship trained glaucoma specialist at Highland Ophthalmology. “As part of Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, we are urging people who might be at risk to come to our office for a free Glaucoma Screening.”

“Who is at risk? African-Americans have a higher incidence of glaucoma, and it often appears at a younger age than in other racial groups. Anyone with a close relative – father, mother or sibling – with glaucoma is also at risk. Older people, those with diabetes and people who have had a serious eye injury are considered at risk as well,” says Dr. Huynh. “Anyone who falls into these groups should call us or their Eye M.D. to have their eyes examined. Although glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection and treatment can usually preserve vision.”

Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve, responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, is damaged. It can be associated with elevated pressure within the eye and often leads to vision loss. It begins with the loss of peripheral vision and then advances to a reduction in central vision. Glaucoma can potentially lead to blindness.

On Saturday January 16, 2010, Highland Ophthalmology will be hosting complimentary glaucoma screenings at their office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments can be scheduled to help minimize wait time by calling (845) 562-0138.

About Highland Ophthalmology Associates:

Highland Ophthalmology Associates is a full-service ophthalmology practice, located at 140 Executive Drive, New Windsor, NY and headed under the direction of Dr. Mary E. Davidian, a Fellowship Trained Corneal Specialist and a Refractive Surgeon. She specializes in corneal transplants, multifocal lens implants and cataract surgery. The staff includes: Dr. Thien (Tim) Huynh, a Fellowship Trained Glaucoma Specialist who also performs cataract surgery; Dr. Miriam M. Rolf, a Doctor of Optometry with extensive clinical and academic experience. Highland Ophthalmology is affiliated with leading medical and academic centers in the Hudson Valley and New York City metropolitan area including: The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, The Westchester Medical Center, Central New York Eye Center, The Vassar Brothers Medical Center and The Eastern Orange Ambulatory Surgery Center which is affiliated with St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital.

ABOUT THE EDITOR: Aria C. Munro works in the book publishing industry and has been a content editor for the Neotrope News Network since 2004. Her black video iPod is most often shuffling Invader Zim episode vids and Thomas Dolby or Dead Can Dance tunez.